Relationship between life stress and mental health problems of Diamond Sutra prayer participants: focusing on the moderating effects of religious activities and social support

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effects of religious activities and social support in the relationship between life stress and mental health problems in Diamond Sutra prayer participants. For this purpose, 562 participants who participated in the Diamond Sutra prayer conducted at Woljeongsa Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism were the subjects of the study, and life stress, religious activities, social support, and mental health problems were measured. Based on the collected data, reliability analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis were conducted. The results of this study are as follows. First, mental health problems were found to have a significant positive correlation with life stress and a significant negative correlation with religious activities and social support. Second, religious activities were found to moderate the relationship between life stress and mental health problems. Third, social support was found to moderate the relationship between life stress and mental health problems. Based on the above research results, it is meaningful to suggest additional interventions that can be provided to Diamond Sutra prayer participants.